Our body's natural drug!

By Deborah Holmes

Posted:
08/08/2017 07:11:54 AM MDT

High Altitude Health Deborah Holmes MedX of Estes

How many times a week do you wake up grumpy? We have a rule around our house that everyone can be "grumpy" occasionally, but we expected them to snap out of it pretty quick, anyway they can make it happen.

Have you ever wondered why you feel better after a workout? You've been drugged, yes, the grumpy has been drugged right out of you and by your own body! Our body is an amazing thing!

The technical reason is that endorphins have been released, due to the exercise stimulant. Endorphins are an endogenous opioid polypeptide compound that are produced by the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus in vertebrates during strenuous exercise, excitement and orgasm. These compounds resemble the drugs in their abilities to produce analgesia and a sense of well-being. The word is broken into two parts: "endo" for endogenous (produced from within) and "orphin" for morphin (a light anesthetic or sedative). Endorphins are a "morphine-like substance originating from within the body."

Fortunately, the drugging power that our own bodies have is less addictive and a much healthier way of experiencing a mood changing high.

So, since this has turned into a happy article and not a grumpy one, I'm sharing information that I found on the internet from an article called "Endorphins 101: Your guide to Natural Euphoria," written by Melissa Walker. Besides exercise, there are other ways to change that grumpy factor around. Here are the top ten ways rated with endorphin levels of intensity.

Eat a chili pepper. The rush you get after that pepper touching your tongue, not only sets off centrally released endorphins but also tongue related sensations. Endorphin level: 1 to 3 depending on how hot you can stand them.

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Think positive thoughts. The power of the mind is a beautiful thing. There is a direct result to the power of positive thinking, which has been thought to release endorphins that may ease pain if medication is physically ineffective. Endorphin level: 2.

Workout (yes, you knew exercise was going to be here). It's often called that "Runners High" which is a release of endorphins that happens after most exercise sessions. Exercise has been proven to enhance moods; whether it's because of the accomplishment of finishing the exercise or the actual release of endorphins. Endorphin level: 2 to 4. It's all about intensity and duration of the exercise.

Have an orgasm. Endorphin level: 5, need I say more?

Get moved (as in emotionally). Once again, the power of the mind continues to work in wonderful ways. Watching a touching dramatic scene, listening to inspiring music or viewing beautiful art allows us to derive pleasure in life and that helps to keep natural 'highs' circulating within our bodies. Endorphin level: 2 and higher levels of emotional response can reach a 3.

Acupuncture. More brain connection. The use of needles in the body is a release and it may trigger endorphin production. Endorphin level: 3 and those who use acupuncture tend to be more positive thinkers which adds to the effect.

Chocolate (now we're talking). The food closest to a drug is chocolate. It triggers the brain to release endorphins. Who'd have thought? The problem is that it only takes a bite or two to trigger the release not the entire bar. Endorphin level: 1 and a great '1' at that.

Sunshine. Some research has found that ultraviolet light can trigger endorphin production. A few minutes of exposure (with proper sunscreen) is enough to give you that "feel good" feeling. Endorphin level: 2 (Probably higher here in Estes, because that'll mean it's finally warm outside!)

Laugh. Laughing produces endorphins that will increase your immune function and make you more resistant to disease. You've heard it said before 'laughter is the best medicine!' Endorphin level: 2 to 3 depending on giggle factors.

Everyone who leaves my health club, leaves happy! There's really no reason to be grumpy in today's world, just kick those endorphins in the butt and have a great day!

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